________________
(232) : Nandanavana
abortion or miscarriage have also been in vogue. The canons describe four methods:
(i) Cutting the foetus to pieces. (ii) Dissolution of the embryo. (iii). Foeticide.
(iv) Abortion. 50
Various oily, alkaline, bitter and astringent medicines and drinks were used for the purpose besides manual and surgical steps. The abortion was a socially condemnable practice in early days. However, time has changed and the last quarter of twentieth century has a message of encouraging abortion for family planning and unrestricted physical enjoyment. This point may be taken against religion but that is the issue with which twentieth century is completing itself. Geriatrics and Aphrodisiacology
These branches of medical sciences were very popular in canonical days. This could be judged by the ancient tonic named 'Cyavana-prāśa' made by the Rși for vigorous youthfulness. In fact, everybody wishes to live longer and enjoy maximum in the world. Like \many allopathic tonics of today, there were many Ayurvedic tonics in the past to keep men away from diseases. Canons mention about multi-component extracts obtained by multiple decoctions and formulations, which were utilized for the two purposes. Later, many synthetic compounds and their mixtures were developed and mastered under this branch. Kalyāṇakāraka gives many such prescriptions in this direction. Current medical science has recently started these branches to improve the internal anatomy of ageing and rejuvenation. Man, now, can hope to be better long-lived than before. Toxicology
This branch deals with three types of poisons or toxic substances of botanical, zoological and synthetic origin. Sthānānga mentions that poison may be effective due to (i) biting as by serpents, rats, insects and other animals (ii) eating a poisonous material and (iii) sight and touch. It affects flesh, bone-marrow and blood too. It seems that serpents, .scorpions etc. were very common in canonical age of village culture. That is why, a good amount of description about them and treatment of their bites is found in canons. Urine drinking, earth poultice, blood extracting, sucking and branding the bitten points and drinking gold water were the normal treatments'. Use of concentrating amulet and
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
